Manipur pays holy tribute to Vajpayee

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, August 23, 2018:  Manipur governor Najma Heptulla and chief minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday led the people from all walks of life in paying homage and offering floral tributes to the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a public prayer meeting organised in his honour at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal East.

 The urn containing ashes of the former Prime Minister arrived at Imphal Airport from Delhi at around 12:30 pm.

A procession was taken out led by the chief minister carrying the ashes of Vajpayee up to City Convention Centre.

Speaking at the prayer meeting, the governor said that paying tribute to the former Prime Minister would be meaningful only when people follow his path – the path of true democracy and tender heart.

Najma said, “I think if we really want to pay tribute to him, we should follow his path to serve the nation without any expectation. He died without any property or land.”

Biren Singh remembered Vajpayee as a warm hearted leader and a Parliamentarian, who never differentiated people on the basis of caste, creed, rich or poor and opposition or ruling parties.

He said a person’s greatness and contribution to the nation is visible more clearly only when he/she passes away.

 In his demise, the country has lost a great leader, the chief minister lamented. He also urged the people of the State to share grief with the bereaved family.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Y. Khemchand, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, senior politicians, high ranking civil and police officers and a large number of people also attended the prayer meeting and paid floral tribute to the photograph of Vajpayee.

Later, ashes of the former Prime Minister were immersed in Imphal river by the chief minister.